It was already an emotional scene at the French Open on Sunday afternoon, when tennis legend Rafael Nadal was honored with a special farewell ceremony inside Roland-Garros, but a surprise appearance from three VIP guests really upped the ante.

Chatrier, only instead of competing, he was going to be feted by the French tennis federation for all that he accomplished on the red clay.

An emotional Rafael Nadal, who retired in November, was honored with a farewell ceremony on Court Philippe-Chatrier, where he won a record 14 French Open championships.